Peak Pursuits

Peak Pursuits (now largely operating under the Peak brand) offers several adventure hubs across Staffordshire, specifically at Audley and Chasewater. These aren’t your basic community gyms; they are proper multi-activity centres where you can get stuck into everything from scaling walls to splashing about in kayaks.

Audley Climbing Centre (Audley, Staffordshire)

This is a dedicated climbing hub that’s perfect if you’re looking for a high-energy indoor session.

• What’s the vibe? It’s a great spot for a rainy day or an active afternoon. You can get involved in instructed climbing, abseiling, or sign the kids up for structured courses.
• Ages and Restrictions:
  • Taster Sessions: Suitable for ages 4 to 16.
  • Climbing Courses: Split into groups for 4–8 year-olds and 9–14 year-olds.
  • Adults: There are dedicated social climbs and national award schemes for those 14 and over.
  • Height: Generally, a minimum height of 1 metre is required for most activities.
• Family Dynamics: This is very much a “hands-off” for parents if you book an instructed session, as the staff take over. Teenagers will enjoy the challenge of the higher routes, while younger kids can build confidence on the smaller walls.
• Time Spent: Most sessions last around 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Budget & Perks: Look out for their Family & Friends sessions which often provide better value than individual bookings. They occasionally offer discounts for Blue Light Card holders, so it’s always worth checking their latest offers before you book. Parking at the Audley site is generally straightforward and free.

Chasewater Activity Centre (Burntwood, Staffordshire)

If you want water sports and a bigger outdoor feel, this is the one to aim for.

• What can you do? This is a heavy hitter for variety. You’ve got kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding on the water, plus land-based fun like archery, bushcraft, and mountain biking.
• Ages and Restrictions:
  • Water Sports: Generally for ages 7 and up.
  • Mountain Biking: Suitable for ages 7+.
  • High Ropes: Usually requires a minimum height of 1.2 metres (or 1.4 metres for the more advanced challenges). Children under 12 typically need a participating adult with them.
• Family Dynamics: It’s an excellent “energy burner.” It’s interesting rather than just passive entertainment. Teenagers will likely prefer the water sports or mountain biking trails, while the younger ones love the bushcraft and basic paddling.
• Time Spent: You can easily spend half a day here, or a full day if you combine a morning on the water with an afternoon on the bikes.
• Budget & Perks: There are often “Holiday Club” options where you can drop the kids off for a full day of supervised activities—a huge win for parents needing a break. They offer various multi-activity packages that save money compared to booking things separately.

Nearby Highlights

• Chasewater Country Park: Right on the doorstep of the activity centre, it’s great for a free walk or a picnic to keep food costs down.
• The Sidings Tea Room: A local favourite nearby if the activity centre’s own cafe options feel a bit limited or busy.
• Audley Village: A short hop from the climbing centre with a few local pubs and shops if you want a proper meal afterwards.